Systems and devices for framing display items including photographs, pictures, memorabilia and collectibles

ABSTRACT

A framing system includes a compliant framing mat having a top major surface, and at least one display item overlying the top major surface of the compliant framing mat. The framing system includes a picture frame having a central opening and glazing covering the central opening. The compliant framing mat is disposed inside the picture frame with the at least one display item disposed between the glazing and the top major surface of the compliant framing mat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/816,538, filed on Mar. 10, 2019, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present patent application is generally related to picture frames,and is more specifically related to systems and devices for framingitems for display such as photographs, pictures, memorabilia, andcollectibles.

Description of the Related Art

FIG. 1 shows a prior art framing system 100 for displaying items such asphotographs. The framing system 100 includes a picture frame 102 havingan outer perimeter 104 that surrounds a central opening 106. The framingsystem 100 includes a picture frame mat 108 that is placed into thecentral opening 106 so that the outer perimeter 104 of the picture frame102 surrounds the picture frame mat 108. The picture frame mat 108 hasthree evenly spaced openings 110A, 110B, and 110C that are adapted toreceive respective photographs 112A-112C, which are secured to a rearface of the picture frame mat 108 and that cover the spaced openings110A-110C. After the photographs 112A0112C are secured to the rear faceof the picture frame mat 108, the photographs are viewable through thespaced openings 110A-110C on the front face of the picture frame mat.

FIG. 2 shows the picture frame mat 108 after it has been removed fromthe picture frame 102 (FIG. 1). The picture frame mat 108 has the threespaced openings 110A-110C that are adapted to receive the respectivephotographs 112A-112C. The photographs are centered within the spacedopenings 110A-110C of the picture frame mat 108, and are visible at thefront surface of the picture frame mat.

FIG. 3 shows a magnified view of the second opening 1108 (FIG. 2) of thepicture frame mat 108. The second opening 1108 has a length L₁ of about5.5 inches and a height H₁ of about 3.5 inches. At the front surface ofthe picture frame mat 108, the second picture 112B is visible throughthe second opening 1108.

Referring to FIG. 4, the picture frame mat 108 (FIG. 2) has a rear face114 to which the photographs 112A-112C are secured. After the respectivephotographs 112A-112C have been aligned with the spaced openings110A-110C (FIG. 2) of the picture frame mat 108, an adhesive materialsuch as adhesive tape 116 may be utilized for securing the photographsto the respective openings provided in the picture frame mat 108.

FIG. 5 shows a tape dispenser 118 that dispenses the adhesive tape 116that is used for securing the photographs 112A-112C to the rear face 114of the picture frame mat 108.

Referring to FIG. 6, the third opening 110C of the picture frame mat 108has a length L₁ of about 5.5 inches and a height H₁ of about 3.5 inches.The third picture 112C that is positioned over the third opening 110Chas a length L₂ of about 6 inches and a height H₂ of about 4 inches. Asa result, when the third picture 112C is positioned over the thirdopening 110C, when viewed from the front face of the picture frame mat108, the outer edges of the third picture 112C cut off and are notvisible through the third opening 108C of the picture frame mat 106. Inaddition, using adhesive tape 116 to secure the photographs 112A-112C tothe rear face 114 of the picture frame mat 108 will typically damage thephotographs and/or make it difficult to remove or re-position thephotographs from their attachment to the picture frame mat 108.

FIG. 7 shows the third photograph 112C being aligned over the thirdopening 110C of the picture frame mat 108. The third photograph 112C hasa length L₂ of about 4.0 inches that is greater than the length L₁ ofthe third opening 110C of about 3.5 inches so that the outer edges ofthe third picture 112C, when viewed the front face of the picture framemat, are cut off and not visible through the third opening 110C.

FIG. 8 shows the adhesive strip 116 being utilized for securing thethird photograph 112C to the rear face 114 of the picture frame mat 108.The second photograph 112B is also secured to the rear face 114 of thepicture frame mat 108 using another adhesive strip 116.

In many instances, individuals wish to display photographs, pictures,memorabilia and/or collectibles inside a picture frame containing apicture frame mat. Requiring individuals to utilize adhesive materialsuch adhesive tape to secure the items to the rear face of the pictureframe mat may damage the items secured to the rear of the picture framemat. Using adhesive tape to secure items to the rear face of a pictureframe mat will also minimize the likelihood that an individual will beable to remove the items from being secured to the rear face of apicture frame mat for being displayed inside another picture frame or atanother location.

FIG. 9 shows the rear face 114 of the picture frame mat 108 after thethree pictures 112A-112C have been secured to the rear face 114 usingadhesive tape 116. The picture frame mat 108 having the three pictures112A-112C secured thereto may be positioned within the picture frame 102(FIG. 1). The outer perimeters of the photographs are greater than theouter perimeters of the respective openings 110A-110C (FIG. 2) of thepicture frame mat 108 so that the outer edges of the photographs are cutoff and not visible at the front face of the picture frame mat.

FIG. 10 shows the picture frame mat 108 and three attached photographs112A-112C of FIG. 9 positioned within the central opening 106 of thepicture frame 102 so that the outer perimeter 104 of the picture frame102 surrounds the picture frame mat 108 and the three photographssecured thereto. At the front face of the picture frame mat 108, thethree photographs 112A-112C may be viewed through the respectiveopenings 110A-110C (FIG. 1).

In view of the above-noted deficiencies, there remains a continuing needfor systems and devices for framing items including photographs,pictures, memorabilia, and collectibles. In addition, there remains acontinuing need for systems and devices for displaying framed itemswhereby the outer edges and outer perimeters of the framed items remaincompletely visible and are not occluded by a picture framing mat.Moreover, there is a need for systems and devices for framing itemshaving a substantial thickness such as sports programs, playbills,and/or magazines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a system for framing a display item such as aphotograph, a picture, memorabilia and/or a collectible preferablyincludes a picture frame having an outer perimeter that defines acentral opening of the picture frame. The central opening is desirablyadapted to receive glazing or a transparent pane, such as a pane ofglass or a transparent polymer sheet.

In one embodiment, the system preferably includes a compliant framingmat having a cloth covering that covers at least one major surface orface of the compliant framing mat. In one embodiment, the cloth coveringmay be black. In one embodiment, the cloth covering may be white. In oneembodiment, cloth coverings may be selected from a broad range ofdifferent colors and may have different patterns or designs printedthereon. In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat desirably has awidth and a height that is sized to match the size of the centralopening of the picture frame.

In one embodiment, a display item, such as a playbill, a magazine,memorabilia or a collectible is configured to be positioned atop thecompliant framing mat for display within the picture frame of thesystem.

In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat preferably has a width, aheight, and a thickness. The thickness may be varied to accommodate thethickness of the display item. The top face of the compliant framing matis preferably covered by the cloth covering. In one embodiment, thecloth covering may be black, white, or colored (e.g., red, blue, green).

In one embodiment, the display item may be positioned over the clothcovering of the compliant framing mat. The outer edge of the displayitem is preferably fully visible after it has been positioned over thetop surface of the compliant framing mat. Placing the display item overthe top surface of the compliant framing mat, as opposed to securing thedisplay item to a rear face of a picture frame mat, provides a dramaticimprovement over prior art framing mats whereby the outer edges of thephotographs secured over the openings of the prior art mats are cut offand not visible.

In one embodiment, a framed display item may be a playbill, a magazine,or a program having many pages (e.g., 10-100 pages or more) that aresecured together (e.g., stapled). As a result, in one embodiment, thedisplay item may have a substantial thickness that is significantlygreater than a single sheet of paper.

In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat preferably has a thicknessthat is selected to match the thickness of the display item. In oneembodiment, if the display item has a greater thickness, the thicknessof the compliant framing mat may be relatively thin. In embodiments inwhich the display item is thinner, the compliant framing mat may bethicker to insure a secure fit between the display item and thecompliant framing mat so that the collectible item does not shift and/ormove relative to the top surface of the compliant framing mat.

In one embodiment, when the compliant framing mat and the display itemare placed into a picture frame, the display item is preferablysandwiched between the glazing (e.g., a glass pane) of the picture frameand the top surface of the compliant framing mat. When a backing boardis secured to the back of the frame, the compliant framing mat ispreferably compressed so that the display item sinks into the front faceof the compliant framing mat. As the compliant framing mat is pressedagainst the display item, a depression preferably forms in the frontface of the compliant framing mat that conforms to the shape of theouter perimeter or outer edge of the display item. The depression formedin the front face of the compliant framing mat preferably surrounds theouter edges of the display item to hold the display item stationary andprevent shifting of the display item relative to the front face of thecompliant framing mat.

In one embodiment, after a display item has been positioned over the topmajor surface of the compliant framing mat, the combination of thecompliant framing mat and the display item may be positioned inside apicture frame so that the display item is visible through the glazingthat covers the central opening of the picture frame. Due to the factthat a conventional framing mat having openings (FIG. 1) is notutilized, and because the display item overlies the top major surface ofthe compliant framing mat, the entire outer edge or outer perimeter ofthe display item is visible and no portion of the outer edge is cut offor occluded the compliant framing mat.

These and other preferred embodiments of the present patent applicationwill be described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art framing system for displaying photographsincluding a picture frame, a picture frame mat having three openings forphotographs, and three photographs aligned with the respective openingsprovided in the picture frame mat.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the picture frame mat of FIG. 1 with asingle photograph placed in each of the three openings provided in thepicture frame mat.

FIG. 3 shows a magnified view of a midsection of the picture frame matof FIGS. 1 and 2 including a photograph placed over a second opening ofthe picture frame mat.

FIG. 4 shows a rear face of the picture frame mat of FIG. 2 with a thirdphotograph removed from covering the third opening of the picture framemat.

FIG. 5 shows a method of using adhesive tape to secure the thirdphotograph of FIG. 4 over the third opening of the picture frame mat.

FIG. 6 shows a magnified view of the third photograph and the thirdopening of the picture frame mat shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a step of a method of securing the third photograph of FIG.4 over the third opening of the picture frame mat.

FIG. 8 shows adhesive tape being used to secure the third picture overthe third opening of the picture frame mat.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the rear face of the picture framemat of FIG. 4 after adhesive tape has been used for securing the thirdphotograph over the third opening of the picture frame mat.

FIG. 10 shows the picture frame mat of FIG. 9 after the picture framemat has been placed into the picture frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows a framing system for displaying items includingphotographs, pictures, memorabilia, and collectibles, the framing systemincluding a picture frame, a compliant framing mat, and a display itemthat will be positioned over a top surface of the compliant framing mat,in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the compliant framing mat shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a top plan view of the display item shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14A shows the display item of FIG. 13 positioned over a top surfaceof the compliant framing mat of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the display item and the compliantframing mat of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 shows the display item and the compliant framing mat of FIGS.14A and 14B after being placed inside the picture frame of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16A shows a compliant framing mat having a white cloth covering,and a display item positioned over a top surface of the compliantframing mat, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patentapplication.

FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the display item and the compliantframing mat of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17 shows the display item and the compliant framing mat of FIGS.16A and 16B after being placed inside the picture frame of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 shows a top view of two photographs and a compliant framing mathaving a white cloth covering configured to receive the two photographs,in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

FIG. 19 shows the two photographs of FIG. 18 positioned over a top majorsurface of the compliant framing mat of FIG. 18, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present patent application.

FIG. 20 shows the two pictures and the compliant framing mat of FIGS. 18and 19 after being positioned inside a picture frame, in accordance withone embodiment of the present patent application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, a system 200 for framing adisplay item such as a photograph, a picture, memorabilia and/or acollectible preferably includes a picture frame 202 having an outerperimeter 204 that defines a central opening 206 of the picture frame.The central opening 206 is desirably adapted to receive a transparentpane, such as a pane of glass or a transparent polymer sheet. The system200 preferably includes a compliant framing mat 208 having a clothcovering 210 that covers at least one major surface or face of thecompliant framing mat 208. In one embodiment, the cloth covering may beblack. In one embodiment, the cloth covering may be white. In oneembodiment, cloth coverings may be selected from a broad range ofdifferent colors and may have different patterns or designs printedthereon. In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 208 desirably hasa width W₃ and a height H₃ that is sized to match the size of thecentral opening 206 of the picture frame 202.

In one embodiment, a display item 212, such as a playbill, a magazine,memorabilia or a collectible is configured to be positioned atop thecompliant framing mat 208 for display within the picture frame 202 ofthe system 200.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a top face or surface of thecompliant framing mat 208 shown in FIG. 11. The compliant framing mat208 may be made of foam or a compressible material. The compliantframing mat 208 has a width W₃, a height H₃, and a thickness T₁. Thethickness may be varied to accommodate the thickness of the display item212 (FIG. 11). The top face of the compliant framing mat 208 ispreferably covered by the cloth covering 210. In one embodiment, thecloth covering 210 may be black.

FIG. 13 shows a magnified view of the display item 212 shown in FIG. 11.The display item 212 has a width W₄ and a height H₄ that define theouter edge 214 of the collectible 212.

Referring to FIG. 14A, in one embodiment, the display item 212 ispreferably positioned over the cloth covering 210 of the compliantframing mat 208. The outer edge 214 of the display item is fully visibleafter it has been positioned over the top surface of the compliantframing mat 208. Placing the display item 212 over the top surface ofthe compliant framing mat 208, as opposed to securing the display itemto a rear face of a picture frame mat, provides a dramatic improvementover the framing mat 106 shown and described above in FIG. 1, wherebythe outer edges of the photographs secured over the openings are cut offand not visible.

Referring to FIG. 14B, in one embodiment, the display item 212 may be aplaybill, a magazine, or a program having many pages (e.g., 10-100 pagesor more) that are secured together (e.g., stapled). As a result, thedisplay item 212 has a substantial thickness that is significantlygreater than a single sheet of paper. The compliant framing mat 210preferably has a thickness T₁ that is selected to match the thickness ofthe display item 212. In one embodiment, if the display item 212 has agreater thickness, the thickness of the compliant framing mat 210 may berelatively thin. In embodiments in which the display item 212 isthinner, the compliant framing mat 210 may be thicker to insure a securefit between the display item and the compliant framing mat 210 so thatthe collectible item does not shift and/or move relative to the topsurface of the compliant framing mat.

In one embodiment, when the compliant framing mat 208 and the displayitem 212 are placed into a picture frame, the display item 212 ispreferably sandwiched between the glazing (e.g., a glass pane) of thepicture frame and the top surface of the compliant framing mat. When abacking board is secured to the back of the frame, the compliant framingmat is preferably compressed so that the display item sinks into thefront face of the compliant framing mat 210. As the compliant framingmat is pressed against the display item, a depression preferably formsin the front face of the compliant framing mat that conforms to theshape of the outer perimeter of the display item. The depression formedin the front face of the compliant framing mat preferably surrounds theouter edges of the display item to hold the display item stationary andprevent shifting of the display item relative to the front face of thecompliant framing mat.

Referring to FIG. 15, after the collectible item 212 has been positionedover the top major surface of the compliant framing mat 210, thecombination of the compliant framing mat and the collectible item may bepositioned inside the picture frame 202 so that the collectible item isvisible through the glazing that covers the central opening 206 of thepicture frame 202. Due to the fact that a conventional framing mathaving openings (FIG. 1) is not utilized, and because the collectibleitem 212 actually overlies the top major surface of the compliantframing mat 210, the entire outer edge 214 or outer periphery of thecollectible item 212 is visible and no portion of the outer edge is cutoff or occluded the compliant framing mat.

Referring to FIG. 16A, in one embodiment, a compliant framing mat 310may have a cloth covering 315 that is white. In one embodiment, theexact color or shading of the cloth cover may be modified so that thecontrast between the display item 312 and the underlying compliantframing mat provides an optimal aesthetic appearance.

FIG. 16B shows the collectible item 312 positioned over a top majorsurface of the compliant framing mat 310. The outer edges 314 of thedisplay item 312 are not covered or occluded by the compliant framingmat as occurs with the prior art picture frame mat shown and describedabove in FIGS. 1-10.

FIG. 17 shows the compliant framing mat 310 and the display item 312 ofFIGS. 16A and 16B positioned within the outer perimeter of a pictureframe 302 with the display item 312 aligned with the glazing coveringthe central opening 306 of the picture frame 302.

Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, two or more pictures may bepositioned atop a major surface of a compliant framing mat 408. In oneembodiment, the compliant framing mat 408 has a white cloth cover 410that is selected to provide a good aesthetic contrast with the twophotographs 410A and 410B.

Referring to FIG. 19, in one embodiment, the two photographs 410A, 410Bmay be positioned over a top major surface of the compliant framing mat408. The outer edges of the photographs 410A, 410B are fully visible andare not occluded by the compliant framing mat as occurs when using theprior art picture frame mats shown and described above in FIGS. 1-10.

Referring to FIG. 20, in one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 408and the two photographs 410A, 410B overlying the compliant framing matmay be positioned within the central opening 406 of the picture frame402. The outer edges of the first and second photographs 410A, 410B arefully visible within the central opening 406 of the picture frame 402because they are not covered by the compliant framing mat as occurs withthe prior art picture frame mat shown and described above in FIGS. 1-10.

In one embodiment, when the compliant framing mat 408 and the twophotographs 410A, 410B are placed into the picture frame 402, thephotographs 410A, 410B are preferably sandwiched between the glazing(e.g., a glass pane) of the picture frame and the top surface of thecompliant framing mat. When a backing board is secured to the back ofthe picture frame, the compliant framing mat is preferably compressed sothat the photographs sink into the front face of the compliant framingmat 410. As the compliant framing mat is pressed against thephotographs, a depression preferably forms in the front face of thecompliant framing mat that conforms to the shape of the outer perimetersof the two photographs. The depression formed in the front face of thecompliant framing mat preferably surrounds the outer edges of the twophotographs to hold the photographs stationary and prevent shifting ofthe photographs relative to the front face of the compliant framing mat.

Referring to FIG. 21, in one embodiment, two or more photographs may bepositioned atop a major surface of a compliant framing mat 508. In oneembodiment, the compliant framing mat 508 has a white cloth cover 514that is selected to provide a good aesthetic contrast with twophotographs 512A and 512B. In one embodiment, a first decorative border525A may be provided on the white cloth cover 510 that is adapted tosurround the first photograph 512A when the first photograph overliesthe top surface of the compliant framing mat 508, and a seconddecorative border 525B may be provided on the white cloth cover 510 thatis adapted to surround the second photograph 512B when the secondphotograph overlies the top surface of the compliant framing mat.

Referring to FIG. 22, when the two photographs 512A, 512B are positionedover the top major surface of the compliant framing mat 508, thedecorative borders 525A, 525B surround the respective photographs 512A,512B for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the framed photographs.

Referring to FIG. 23, in one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 508and the two photographs 512A, 512B overlying the compliant framing matmay be positioned within the central opening 506 of the picture frame502. The outer edges of the first and second photographs 512A, 512B arefully visible within the central opening 506 of the picture frame 502because they are not covered by the compliant framing mat as occurs withthe prior art picture frame mat shown and described above in FIGS. 1-10.The decorative borders 525A, 525B surround the respective photographs512A, 512B for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the framedphotographs.

Referring to FIG. 24, in one embodiment, two or more photographs may bepositioned atop a major surface of a compliant framing mat 608. In oneembodiment, the compliant framing mat 608 has a white cloth cover 610that is selected to provide a good aesthetic contrast with twophotographs 612A and 612B. In one embodiment, a first alignment guide625A may be provided on the white cloth cover 610 that is adapted to aidalignment of the first photograph 612A over the top surface of thecompliant framing mat 608, and a second alignment guide 625B may beprovided on the white cloth cover 610 that is adapted to aid alignmentof the second photograph 612B over the top surface of the compliantframing mat.

Referring to FIG. 25, when the two photographs 610A, 610B are positionedover the top major surface of the compliant framing mat 608, the firstand second alignment guides 625A, 625B (FIG. 24) are covered by therespective photographs 612A, 612B.

Referring to FIG. 26, in one embodiment, the compliant framing mat 608and the two photographs 612A, 612B overlying the compliant framing matmay be positioned within the central opening 606 of the picture frame602. The outer edges of the first and second photographs 612A, 612B arefully visible within the central opening 606 of the picture frame 602because they are not covered by the compliant framing mat as occurs withthe prior art picture frame mat shown and described above in FIGS. 1-10.The alignment guides 625A, 625B (FIG. 24), which may be printed onto thecloth cover, preferably insure that the photographs are properly alignedover the top surface of the compliant framing mat.

In one embodiment, the compliant framing mat may be made of foam and mayhave a thickness of about 0.25-3.0 inches. In one embodiment, thecompliant framing mat may have a width of about 4-30 inches and a heightof about 6-40 inches.

In one embodiment, a framing system preferably includes a set ofcompliant framing mats, whereby at least some of the compliant framingmats in the set have different thicknesses. In one embodiment, a set ofcompliant framing mats have various thickness that range from 0.25inches to 3.0 inches. In one embodiment, a set of compliant framing matshave thicknesses of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25,2.50, 2.75, and 3.00 inches. In one embodiment, a set of compliantframing mats have different colors such as black, white, red, blue,green, orange, yellow, purple, etc. In one embodiment, a set ofcompliant framing mats may have different patterns or designs providedon the major surfaces thereof.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, which is only limited by thescope of the claims that follow. For example, the present inventioncontemplates that any of the features shown in any of the embodimentsdescribed herein, or incorporated by reference herein, may beincorporated with any of the features shown in any of the otherembodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, andstill fall within the scope of the present invention.

1. A framing system comprising: a compliant framing mat having a topmajor surface; at least one display item overlying the top major surfaceof said compliant framing mat; a picture frame having a central openingand glazing covering the central opening, wherein said compliant framingmat is disposed inside said picture frame with said at least one displayitem disposed between said glazing and the top major surface of saidcompliant framing mat.
 2. The framing system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said compliant framing mat is made of foam and has a clothcovering overlying the top major surface of said compliant framing mat.3. The framing system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising apicture frame backing secured to a rear side of said picture frame forcompressing said compliant framing mat between said glazing and saidpicture frame backing.
 4. The framing system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said at least one display item is selected from the groupconsisting of photographs, pictures, memorabilia, collectibles,magazines, programs, and playbills.
 5. The framing system as claimed inclaim 2, further comprising a decorative border provided on said clothcovering that, wherein said decorative border surrounds said at leastone display item.
 6. The framing system as claimed in claim 2, furthercomprising an alignment guide provided on said cloth covering for aidingalignment of said at least one display item over the top major surfaceof said compliant framing mat.
 7. The framing system as claimed in claim6, wherein said alignment guide is printed on said cloth covering. 8.The framing system as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a secondalignment guide printed on said cloth covering.
 9. The framing system asclaimed in claim 8, wherein a first photograph is surrounded by saidfirst alignment guide and a second photograph is surrounded by saidsecond alignment guide.
 10. The framing system as claimed in claim 2,wherein said cloth covering comprises a color selected from the group ofcolors consisting of black, white, red, blue and green.
 11. The framingsystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glazing comprises a pane ofglass or a transparent polymer sheet.
 12. The framing system as claimedin claim 3, wherein said at least one display item is sandwiched betweensaid glazing and the top major surface of said compliant framing mat.13. The framing system as claimed in claim 12, wherein when said pictureframe backing is secured to the back of said frame, said compliantframing mat is compressed between said glazing and said picture framebacking so that said at least one display item is sunk into the frontface of said compliant framing mat.
 14. The framing system as claimed inclaim 13, wherein said at least one display item has an outer perimeter,and wherein said compliant framing mat comprises a depression in thefront face of said compliant framing mat that conforms to the outerperimeter of said at least one display item.
 15. The framing system asclaimed in claim 14, wherein said depression formed in the front face ofsaid compliant framing mat surrounds the outer perimeter of said atleast one display item to hold said at least one display item stationaryand prevent shifting of said at least one display item relative to thefront face of said compliant framing mat.
 16. A framing systemcomprising: a compliant framing mat having first and second majorsurfaces; a cloth covering overlying the first major surface of saidcompliant framing mat; a display item overlying said cloth covering thatoverlies the first major surface of said compliant framing mat; apicture frame having a central opening; glazing covering the centralopening of said picture frame, wherein said cloth covering and saidcompliant framing mat are disposed inside said picture frame with saiddisplay item disposed between said glazing and said cloth covering thatoverlies the first major surface of said compliant framing mat; apicture frame backing secured to a rear side of said picture frame andengaging the second major surface of said compliant framing mat forcompressing said display item, said cloth covering and said compliantframing mat between said glazing and said picture frame backing, whereinsaid display item is sandwiched between said glazing and said clothcovering that overlies the first major surface of said compliant framingmat with said display item sunk into the first major surface of saidcompliant framing mat.
 17. The framing system as claimed in claim 16,wherein said display item has an outer perimeter, and wherein the firstmajor surface of said compliant framing mat has a depression formedtherein that conforms to the outer perimeter of said display item. 18.The framing system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said depressionformed in the first major surface of said compliant framing matsurrounds the outer perimeter of said display item to hold said displayitem stationary and prevent shifting of said display item relative tothe first major surface of said compliant framing mat.
 19. A framingsystem comprising: a compliant framing mat having first and second majorsurfaces; a cloth covering overlying the first major surface of saidcompliant framing mat; an alignment guide provided on said clothcovering; a display item having an outer perimeter overlying said clothcovering, wherein said alignment guide is used for aligning the outerperimeter of said display item over said cloth covering; a picture framehaving a central opening; glazing covering the central opening of saidpicture frame, wherein said cloth covering and said compliant framingmat are disposed inside said picture frame with said display itemdisposed between said glazing and said cloth covering; a picture framebacking secured to a rear side of said picture frame and engaging thesecond major surface of said compliant framing mat for compressing saiddisplay item, said cloth covering and said compliant framing mat betweensaid glazing and said picture frame backing, wherein said display itemis sandwiched between said glazing and said cloth covering that overliesthe first major surface of said compliant framing mat, and wherein thefirst major surface of said compliant framing mat has a depressionformed therein that conforms to and surrounds the outer perimeter ofsaid display item to hold said display item stationary and preventshifting of said display item relative to the first major surface ofsaid compliant framing mat.
 20. The framing system as claimed in claim19, further comprising: a second alignment guide provided on said clothcovering; a second display item having an outer perimeter overlying saidcloth covering, wherein said second alignment guide is used for aligningthe outer perimeter of said second display item over said clothcovering, wherein said first and second alignment guides are printed onsaid cloth covering.